Proximity switch having wrong touch adaptive learning and method

ABSTRACT

A proximity switch assembly and method are provided having wrong touch feedback and adaptive learning. The method includes the steps of detecting multiple attempted activations of a proximity switch that is not allowed, and adjusting one or more settings based on the detected multiple attempted activations to provide adaptive learning. The method also includes the steps of detecting an allowed activation of the proximity switch based on the adjusted one or more settings, and performing an action in response to the detected allowed activation. The proximity switch assembly includes one or more user perceived feedback devices for generating user perceived feedback when an attempted activation that is not allowed is detected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/635,140, filed Mar. 2, 2015, entitled “PROXIMITY SWITCH HAVING WRONGTOUCH ADAPTIVE LEARNING AND METHOD,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,112,556, whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/288,549, filed on Nov. 3, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,994,228, entitled“PROXIMITY SWITCH HAVING WRONG TOUCH FEEDBACK.” The aforementionedrelated application is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to switches, and moreparticularly relates to proximity switches with enhanced user feedbackand user interaction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automotive vehicles are typically equipped with various user actuatableswitches, such as switches for operating devices including poweredwindows, headlights, windshield wipers, moonroofs or sunroofs, interiorlighting, radio and infotainment devices, and various other devices.Generally, these types of switches need to be actuated by a user inorder to activate or deactivate a device or perform some type of controlfunction. Proximity switches, such as capacitive switches, employ one ormore proximity sensors to generate a sense activation field and sensechanges to the activation field indicative of user actuation of theswitch, typically caused by a user's finger in close proximity orcontact with the sensor. Capacitive switches are typically configured todetect user actuation of the switch based on comparison of the senseactivation field to a threshold.

Switch assemblies often employ a plurality of capacitive switches inclose proximity to one another and require that a user select a singledesired capacitive switch to perform the intended operation. Usersfrequently activate the wrong switch, such as activating multipleswitches simultaneously, particularly when the user interface devicesare small and the switches are close together. In some applications,such as in an automobile, the driver of the vehicle has limited abilityto view the switches due to driver distraction and therefore mayinadvertently operate the switch in a wrong manner. Accordingly, it isdesirable to provide for a proximity switch arrangement, which enhancesthe use of the proximity switches by a person, such as a driver in avehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of activing aproximity switch assembly is provided. The method includes the steps ofdetecting multiple attempted activations of a proximity switch that isnot allowed. The method also includes the steps of adjusting one or moresettings based on the detected multiple attempted activations to provideadaptive learning and detecting an allowed activation of the proximityswitch based on the adjusted one or more settings. The method furtherincludes the step of performing an action in response to the detectedallowed activation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a proximity switchassembly is provided. The proximity switch assembly includes one or moreproximity switches and control circuitry processing an activation fieldassociated with each proximity switch to detect an allowed activation ofa proximity switch. The control circuitry further detects multipleattempted activations of a switch that is not allowed and adjusts one ormore settings based on the attempted activation to provide adaptivelearning.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger compartment of an automotivevehicle having an overhead console employing a proximity switch assemblyhaving user perceived feedback and adaptive learning, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the overhead console and proximity switchassembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken through line in FIG. 2showing the proximity switches in relation to a user's finger;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the proximity switch assemblyhaving user perceived feedback and adaptive learning, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for providing userperceived feedback based on activation of the proximity switches,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a front view of a switch assembly showing a user's fingerrepeatedly attempting to activate a proximity switch with wrong touch;

FIG. 6B is a graph illustrating adaptive learning by adjusting thesignature ratio to allow activation during the wrong touch of FIG. 6A,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating adaptive learning by adjusting theactivation threshold setting, according to a another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating adaptive learning by adjusting the signalstable range to allow activation following a wrong touch, according toanother embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating adaptive learning by adjusting theminimum rate, according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of proximity switchactivation control that adjusts one or more settings based on multipleattempted activations of a switch that is not allowed; and

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating the relaxed activation settingssubroutine of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to a detaileddesign; some schematics may be exaggerated or minimized to show functionoverview. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the interior of an automotive vehicle 10 isgenerally illustrated having a passenger compartment and a switchassembly 20 employing a plurality of proximity switches 22 having userperceived feedback and adaptive learning, according to one embodiment.The vehicle 10 generally includes an overhead console 12 assembled tothe headliner on the underside of the roof or ceiling at the top of thevehicle passenger compartment, generally above the front passengerseating area. The switch assembly 20 has a plurality of proximityswitches 22 arranged close to one another in the overhead console 12,according to one embodiment. The various proximity switches 22 maycontrol any of a number of vehicle devices and functions, such ascontrolling movement of a sunroof or moonroof 16, controlling movementof a moonroof shade 18, controlling activation of one or more lightingdevices such as interior map/reading and dome lights 32, and variousother devices and functions. However, it should be appreciated that theproximity switches 22 may be located elsewhere on the vehicle 10, suchas in the dash panel, on other consoles such as a center console,integrated into a touch screen display for a radio or infotainmentsystem such as a navigation and/or audio display, or located elsewhereonboard the vehicle 10 according to various vehicle applications.

The proximity switches 22 are shown and described herein as capacitiveswitches, according to one embodiment. Each proximity switch 22 includesat least one proximity sensor that provides a sense activation field tosense contact or close proximity of a user in relation to the one ormore proximity sensors, such as a swiping motion by a user's finger.Thus, the sense activation field of each proximity switch 22 is acapacitive field in the exemplary embodiment and the user's finger haselectrical conductivity and dielectric properties that cause a change ordisturbance in the sense activation field as should be evident to thoseskilled in the art. However, it should also be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that additional or alternative types of proximitysensors can be used, such as, but not limited to, inductive sensors,optical sensors, temperatures sensors, resistive sensors, the like, or acombination thereof. Exemplary proximity sensors are described in theApr. 9, 2009, ATMEL® Touch Sensors Design Guide, 10620 D-AT42-04/09, theentire reference hereby being incorporated herein by reference.

The proximity switches 22 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 each provide control ofa vehicle component or device or provide a designated control function.One or more of the proximity switches 22 may be dedicated to controllingmovement of a sunroof or moonroof 16 so as to cause the moonroof 16 tomove in an open or closed direction, tilt the moonroof, or stop movementof the moonroof based upon a control algorithm. One or more otherproximity switches 22 may be dedicated to controlling movement of amoonroof shade 18 between open and closed positions. Each of themoonroof 16 and shade 18 may be actuated by an electric motor inresponse to actuation of the corresponding proximity switch 22. Otherproximity switches 22 may be dedicated to control other devices, such asturning an interior map/reading light on, turning an interiormap/reading light off, turning a dome lamp on or off, unlocking a trunk,opening a rear hatch, or for defeating a door light switch. Additionalcontrols via the proximity switches 22 may include actuating door powerwindows up and down. Various other vehicle controls may be controlled byway of the proximity switches 22 described herein.

The proximity switch assembly 20 includes one or more user perceivedfeedback devices for generating user perceived feedback when anattempted activation of a proximity switch is not allowed. The userperceived feedback devices may include an audible tone generator such asone or more vehicle speakers 36 shown installed in the doors of thevehicle. Any of the vehicle equipped speakers or other audible tonegenerators may be employed to provide an audible tone to the user uponwrong touch activation of the switch assembly 20. Other feedback devicesmay include a visual display, such as navigation or radio display 38shown installed in the vehicle. The visual display 38 may display textor icons as feedback indicative of a wrong touch of the proximity switchassembly 20. Further feedback devices may include a vibratory or tactilegenerator 40 for providing a vibration as a feedback. The vibratorygenerator may be implemented as an eccentric motor, according to oneembodiment. The vibratory generator 40 may be integrated within theproximity switch assembly 20 or within the individual proximity switches22 to generate vibration to the user's finger, according to oneembodiment. According to other embodiments, the vibratory generator 40may be located within the steering wheel 14 of the vehicle, the vehicleseat, or other point of contact with the user to provide a vibrationthat is perceived by the user upon wrong touch of the proximity switchassembly 20. A further feedback device may include one or more indicatorlights 42 for providing a visual light indication as a feedbackindicative of a wrong touch activation of the proximity switch assembly.The indicator light 42 may include a dedicated light installed in theinstrument panel cluster, as shown, or other dedicated or sharedlighting devices including mood or ambient lighting, dome lighting, mapreading lights, electronic display lighting, and other lightingavailable and viewable by a user of the proximity switch assembly 20.

Referring to FIG. 3, a portion of the proximity switch assembly 20 isillustrated having three serial arranged proximity switches 22 in closerelation to one another in relation to a user's finger 58 during a wrongtouch activation of the switch assembly 20. Each proximity switch 22includes one or more proximity sensors mounted on a substrate 54 forgenerating a sense activation field 50. A contact surface 52 such as afilm covers the proximity switches 22. In the embodiment shown, adjacentsense activation fields 50 generated by adjacent proximity switches 22overlap slightly. When a user, such as the user's finger 58, enters theactivation field, the proximity switch assembly 20 detects thedisturbance to the activation field and determines an activation of thecorresponding proximity switch 22. However, when a user simultaneouslycontacts two switches, such that the finger 58 simultaneously entersactivation fields 50 for adjacent proximity sensors, a wrong touchcondition may exist. When a wrong touch condition is initially detected,activation of the proximity switches is not allowed and a user perceivedfeedback may be provided to the user to let the user know of the wrongtouch condition. A wrong touch condition may occur when a user attemptedto interact with the proximity switch 22, but no clear activation isdetected. Examples of wrong touch conditions include one or more of thefollowing: the user simultaneously contacting two switches; aninsufficient signal response is detected due to poor conductivequalities of the fingers, such as a finger containing lotion or having aglove covering the finger; and a finger that slowly approaches a switch,especially one having a glove on the finger. It should be appreciatedthat other examples of wrong touch conditions may exist.

Referring to FIG. 4, the proximity switch assembly 20 is illustratedaccording to one embodiment. A plurality of proximity switches 22 areshown providing inputs to a controller 24. The controller 24 may includecontrol circuitry, such as a microprocessor 26 and memory 28. Thecontrol circuitry may include sense control circuitry processing theactivation field to sense user activation of the switch by comparing theactivation field to a threshold. It should be appreciated that otheranalog and/or digital control circuitry may be employed to process theactivation field, determine user activation, initiate an action,generate user perceived feedback and execute and implement adaptivelearning. The controller 24 provides an output signal to one or moredevices that are configured to perform dedicated actions responsive tocorrect activation of a proximity switch. For example, the one or moredevices may include a moonroof 16 having a motor to move the moonroofpanel between open and closed and tilt positions, a moonroof shade 18that moves between open and closed positions, and light devices 34 thatmay be turned on and off. Other devices may be controlled such as aradio for performing on and off functions, volume control, scanning, andother types of devices for performing other dedicated functions. One ofthe proximity switches 22 may be dedicated to actuating the moonroofclosed, another proximity switch 22 may be dedicated to actuating themoonroof open, and a further switch 22 may be dedicated to actuating themoonroof to a tilt position, all of which would cause a motor to movethe moonroof to a desired position. The moonroof shade 18 may be openedin response to one proximity switch 22 and may be closed responsive toanother proximity switch 22.

The controller 20 provides an output signal to one or more userperceived feedback devices 30 to generate a perceived feedback to auser. According to one embodiment, the user perceived feedback devices30 may include an audible tone generator 36, such as a speaker, forgenerating an audible signal such as a tone and/or voice commands.According to another embodiment, the one or more user feedback devices30 may include a tactile vibratory generator 40 for generating avibration of the proximity switch pad or some other device or surface,such as a steering wheel or an armrest or seat upon which the user isseated in. According to a further embodiment, the feedback device 30 mayinclude one or more indicator lights 42 for providing a light output.Further, the feedback device 30 may employ a visual display 38 todisplay feedback information in the form of text or icons. The userperceived feedback devices 30 provide an audible tone, vibration, lightand/or visual display to the user in response to activation of the oneor more proximity switches.

When a user attempts to activate a switch with a wrong touch condition,a first or wrong touch feedback may be generated to indicate to the userthat the switch was wrongly activated. A wrong touch activation mayinclude simultaneous activation of two switches, according to oneembodiment. When a wrong touch is repeatedly detected, the switchassembly may adaptively learn the intended switch activation and adjustone or more settings to allow activation of a switch. The user perceivedfeedback device 30 may generate a second or action completed feedback tothe user when the action actuated has completed the action. A third orright touch feedback may be generated when an allowed activation of aproximity switch is detected.

The controller 42 processes one or more routines including routine 100to generate user perceived feedback based on activation of one or moreof the proximity switches 22. The controller monitors the proximityswitches for an activation of one or more of the proximity switches andperforms the dedicated action when a right touch activation is detected.When an activation is properly detected, a right touch feedback may beprovided by any of the feedback devices 30. The controller 42 alsomonitors for proximity sensors 22 for the presence of a wrong touchactivation of the proximity sensor assembly and generates a wrong touchfeedback in response thereto. The wrong touch condition may be due to anambiguous input such as a simultaneous activation of two or moreswitches, or may be the activation of a switch for which an actioncannot be performed. The feedback generated for a wrong touch isdifferent than the feedback generated for a right touch so that the usermay decipher between wrong touch and right touch activations of theproximity switch assembly 20. The controller 42 further determines whenthe action actuated by the activation of a proximity switch is completeand provides in response thereto an action complete feedback via one ormore of the feedback devices 30. The action complete feedback isdifferent than the wrong touch feedback and the right touch feedbacksuch that a user may decipher the differences therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 5, the control routine 100 is illustrated, accordingto one embodiment. Routine 100 begins at step 102 and proceeds to step104 to monitor the proximity sensor outputs for each switch. Next, atdecision step 106, routine 100 detects activation of one or moreproximity switches and, if no activation is detected, returns to step104. If the activation of one or more proximity switches is detected,routine 100 proceeds to decision step 108 to look for an ambiguousinput. The ambiguous input may include the attempted simultaneousactivation of two or more proximity switches. If an ambiguous input isdetected, routine 100 generates the wrong touch feedback at step 110 andthen returns at step 122. If no ambiguous input is detected, routine 100proceeds to decision step 112 to determine if the action dedicated tothat activated proximity switch is allowed and, if not, generates awrong touch feedback at step 110, and then returns at step 122.Accordingly, either an ambiguous input or activation or a switch forwhich an action is not allowed are deemed to be wrong touch activationsfor which an action cannot be performed. In response thereto, a wrongtouch feedback is generated by one or more of the feedback devicesincluding the audible tone generator 36, visual display 38, vibratorygenerator 40, and indicator light(s) 42. The wrong touch feedback may bea user perceived alert type feedback that a user would perceive as anincorrect activation of the proximity switch assembly 20.

If no wrong touch activation exists, routine 100 proceeds to step 114 togenerate a right touch feedback. A right touch feedback may be generatedwith any one or more of the feedback devices to provide a second morepleasant feedback recognizable by a user as proper activation of aproximity switch for which an action can be performed. At step 116, theaction responsive to the switch activation is performed. Next, routine100 proceeds to step 118 to determine if the action is complete and, ifnot, returns to step 122. If the action is complete, routine 100 thengenerates an action complete feedback via one or more of the feedbackdevices 30. The action complete feedback is a third pleasant tonefeedback recognizable by a user as completion of the action in responseto activation of the proximity switch.

According to another embodiment, the right touch feedback may begenerated to provide multiple levels of feedback, such as a progressivefeedback. For example, when two signal channels for adjacent capacitiveswitches are at a substantially similar signal level, a wrong touchfeedback may be provided at a first level, however, when one channel issignificantly greater than the other channel, the wrong touch feedbackmay be at a second lower level relative to the first feedback. This mayindicate to the operator that the wrong touch is not as severe orsignificant when one signal channel is substantially greater thananother indicative that the correct signal was substantially activated.This may help to provide feedback to the user so that the user mayunderstand why the input is deemed wrong and how to modify hand postureto get the action recognized correctly. According to another example,for a non-allowed action, multiple levels of progressive feedback may beprovided, such as to provide a first higher feedback when a userattempts to open a moonroof while the vehicle is in a car wash andprovides a second lower feedback when the user is trying to close amoonroof that is already closed.

A proximity switch assembly and a method of activating a proximityswitch assembly that detects multiple attempted activations of one ormore proximity switches that is not allowed and adjusts one or moresettings based on the detected multiple attempted activations to provideadaptive learning is further provided according to another embodiment.The proximity switch assembly and method advantageously detects multipleor repeated failed attempts to activate a proximity switch andadaptively learns from the multiple failed attempts and adjusts one ormore settings to enable activation of the switch. Each time a wrongtouch condition is detected, one or more feedbacks may be generated asdescribed above. If a user repeatedly tries to interact with theproximity switch assembly while in the wrong touch mode, the proximityswitch assembly and method can adjust one or more settings to adapt tothe user's interface signature. The proximity switch assembly and methodcan adjust the one or more settings autonomously to allow for less cleaninterface (e.g., touch) or may further prompt the user for guidance andrequest from the user which type of activation was intended. Theattempted activation that is not allowed is referred to as a wrong touchand may occur with the simultaneous activation of two or more switcheswhich may be caused by a user's finger overlapping the activation fieldsassociated with two or more proximity sensors associated with twoadjacent proximity switches. Other wrong touch conditions includeattempted activations by a user having a finger with poor conductiveproperties, such as a finger having lotion or covered by an electricallyinsulative glove which may result in insufficient signal response.Further attempted activations for wrong touch may include a user'sfinger slowly approaching a proximity switch, particularly when thefinger is covered by a glove.

In response to detecting multiple attempted activations of a wrong touchcondition, the system and method advantageously may adjust one or moresettings to tune the proximity switch assembly to thereby provideadaptive learning. The adjustment of one or more settings may includeadjusting one or more activation thresholds that are used to determineswitch activation, adjusting a clean signal band, adjusting a signal orsignature ratio which defines how the signal is distributed amongst thesensors, adjusting a minimum rate or rise time of the signal, and otherpotential adjustments of settings associated with determining anactivation of a proximity switch. Examples of various settings used fordetermining switch activation that can be adjusted are disclosed in U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0270896 A1 entitled “PROXIMITYSWITCH ASSEMBLY AND ACTIVATION METHOD,” which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

The new adjusted setting(s) can be active for a predetermined time, suchas until a certain number of consecutive clear activations is detectedor may be permanently adjusted. The adjusted setting(s) may be used onone or all of a plurality of proximity switches associated with theproximity switch assembly, or may be used on only a select group ofproximity switches. The new adjusted settings can apply to all users(e.g., occupants of the vehicle), or different settings could beimplemented for specific users. Detection of specific occupants could bebased on internal vehicle sensors, key fobs or personal electronics.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, one example of a wrong touch conditionhaving a failed channel signal ratio is shown as a user's finger 58presses on the middle proximity switch 22B located between proximityswitches 22B and 22C. The user's finger 58 is shown in FIG. 6A pressingon proximity switch 22B to attempt activation of the proximity switch22B, but experiences a wrong touch condition each time the activation isattempted because the signal channel ratio of the largest signalrelative to the second largest signal or the cumulative of all signalchannels is not sufficient to allow for activation. In this example, thethree signals 60A-60C are generated by three proximity sensorsassociated with the respective three proximity switches 22A-22C. Thesignal associated with each of the sensors is shown as a function of thesensor count as a function of time. As a user's finger 58 approaches theswitch assembly, the finger 58 enters the activation field associatedwith each sensor which causes disruption to the capacitance, therebyresulting into a sensor count increase as shown by signals 60A-60C. Inthis example, the user's finger 58 is primarily on the middle proximityswitch 22B; however, the finger 58 partially extends over the adjacentproximity switch 22A. As a result, the activation field causes thesignal 60B associated with the second proximity switch 22B to be thelargest signal and to generate a substantially large but lesser secondlargest signal 60A associated with proximity switch 22A. When the secondlargest signal 60A has a substantial amplitude greater than a secondchannel max level ML₂, activation of the proximity switch 22B generatingthe largest signal 60B is prevented. As a user presses harder eachrepeated attempt to activate the same switch, the signal associated witheach of the sensors may get larger, but the signal channel signatureratio does not change which may occur due in part to the user's fingercontacting the adjacent capacitive switch 22A, such that sufficientsignal is detected therewith. The system and method advantageouslydetects the multiple repeated attempts of a wrong touch condition andadjusts the setting of the second channel max level ML₂ so as toincrease the level to an adjusted second channel max level ML_(2A) whichrelaxes the signature ratio to allow activation of the proximity switch.As a result, the adjustment of the second channel max level ML_(2A) toan increased threshold allows for activation of the proximity switch 22Bdue to the adaptive learning achieved by the adjustment of the setting.

Referring to FIG. 7, one example of a signal response during a wrongtouch condition and adaptive learning thereof is illustrated forcircumstances where the user's attempted activation generates a signalthat is not strong enough to exceed the activation threshold T. When theuser repeatedly attempts to activate a proximity switch, such asproximity switch 22B, signal 60B associated with switch 22B is weak andis shown below threshold T. When this occurs, the proximity switchassembly and method advantageously adjusts the threshold T to a reducedor adjusted threshold value T_(A) which is shown at a lesser value belowthe maximum signal peak. This allows for activation of the proximityswitch 22B by adjusting the threshold T to the adjusted lower thresholdT_(A) to relax the activation threshold.

Referring to FIG. 8, one example of the signal response during a wrongtouch condition and adaptive learning thereof is illustrated. The threesignals 60A-60C shown are generated by three proximity sensorsassociated with three proximity switches as discussed in FIG. 6A. As auser's finger approaches the switch assembly, the finger enters theactivation field associated with each sensor which causes disruption tothe capacitance, thereby resulting in a sensor count increase as shownby signals 60A-60C. In this example, a user attempts to activate one ofthe switches as shown by signal 60B which is much greater in amplitudecompared to signals 60A and 60B associated with two other proximityswitches. The larger signal response 60B generates a larger signal countcompared to the other signals 60A and 60B as a result of the interactionwith the associated switch. In this example, a stable range SR of thelargest signal 60B is required to activate the corresponding proximityswitch. The largest signal 60B is shown having oscillations at its peakamplitude that create an unstable signal relative to the stable rangeSR. Each time that an operator attempts to activate the correspondingproximity switch, the signal 60B rises up but is unstable such that therange of oscillation at its peak of the signal exceeds the stable rangeSR required to detect an activation of the proximity switch. Theproximity switch assembly and method may advantageously identify therepeated occurrence of this wrong touch condition and make a decisionthat an operator is intending to activate the corresponding proximityswitch, but the finger is not sufficiently stable (e.g., shaking finger)on the switch pad during multiple repeated attempts or there is excessnoise present in the signal. The proximity switch assembly and methodmay advantageously adjust the stable range settings to increase the sizeof the stable range to an adjusted stable range SR_(A) so as allow foran activation of the proximity switch. The increased stable rangesetting SR_(A) may be a temporary relaxation of the setting requirementsfor detecting activation that defaults back to the normal settings aftera time period or upon deactivation of a vehicle or certain number ofattempts or may be a more permanent adjustment.

Referring to FIG. 9, one example of the signal response during a wrongtouch condition and an adaptive learning thereof, is illustrated inwhich a minimum rate MR is adjusted after repeated failed attempts toactivate a proximity switch. Activation of a switch may occur when therate of increase in the maximum signal exceeds a minimum rate MR. Inthis example, a failed attempted activation of proximity switch 22B isrepeated three times during which the same maximum signal for all threeattempts is realized. When this occurs, the proximity switch assemblyand method may advantageously relax the rate monitoring to allowactivation. This is achieved by adjusting the minimum rate MR to areduced adjusted minimum rate MR_(A) which may allow for activation ofthe proximity switch 22B based on comparison of the rate of increase ofsignal 60B to the adjusted minimum rate MR_(A).

The proximity switch assembly 20 employs an adaptive learning routine200 which may be stored within memory 28 of controller 24 and executedby microprocessor 26, according to one embodiment. The adaptive learningroutine 200 detects the wrong touch conditions based on multipleattempted activations of a proximity switch that is not allowed andadjusts one or more settings to provide for adaptive learning to allowactivation of the proximity switch in situations where insufficientactivations of a switch that a user is attempting to activate arerepeatedly attempted. The adaptive learning routine 200 is illustratedin FIG. 10, according to one embodiment. Routine 200 begins at step 202and proceeds to step 204 to set the last maximum signal channel equal tonone so as to reset the value. Next, at decision step 206, routine 200determines if a user touch of the proximity assembly has been detectedand, if not, waits for the detection of a user touch. Once a user touchhas been detected, routine 200 proceeds to decision step 208 todetermine whether a wrong touch condition has occurred while usingrelaxed settings or parameters. If no such wrong touch condition hasoccurred, routine 200 proceeds to decision step 210 to determine whethera wrong touch condition occurred using the original (e.g., default)settings and, if so, proceeds to step 212 to activate the proximityswitch associated with the maximum signal channel before ending at step240.

If a wrong touch condition using the original settings is not detectedat step 210, routine 200 proceeds to step 214 to reset the counterlabelled wrong touches. The wrong touches counter indicates the numberof repeated wrong touch conditions that are detected for a switch. Next,at step 218, the activation settings are reset which may include one ormore of a threshold, stable range, a signal ratio and a minimum rate,according to various embodiments. Routine 200 then proceeds to step 212to activate the proximity switch associated with the maximum signalchannel before ending at step 240.

Returning to decision block 208, if a wrong touch condition usingrelaxed settings is detected, routine 200 proceeds to decision step 220to determine if the maximum signal channel is equal to the last maximumsignal channel and if the deltaT time is less than dTIME. The deltaTtime is the time since the first attempted activation, and the dTIMEtime is a time period, such as five (5) seconds, or more preferably inthe range of two to four (2-4) seconds. If the conditions at step 220are not met, routine 200 proceeds to step 222 to reset the counter wrongtouches before proceeding to step 228. If the conditions in step 220 aremet, routine 200 proceeds directly to step 228 to increase the counterwrong touches value. Thereafter, at decision step 230, routine 200determines if the counter wrong touches value is greater than themaximum wrong touches value. The maximum wrong touches value may be avalue of one or more, and more preferably two or more and is used todetermine repeated attempted activations of a switch that is notallowed. If the counter wrong touches value is not greater than themaximum wrong touches, then routine 200 returns to step 206. If thecounter wrong touches value is greater than the maximum wrong touchesvalue, routine 200 proceeds to step 234 to relax the activation settingsto thereby adjust one or more settings associated with the determiningof an activation of the proximity switch. IN one example, the setting(s)are adjusted when three attempted activations occur in a time period oftwo to four (2-4) seconds. Following execution of the relaxed activationsettings subroutine, routine 200 proceeds to decision step 236 todetermine if the maximum signal associated with proximity switch is anactivation and, if so, proceeds to step 212 to activate the proximityswitch associated with the maximum signal channel before ending at step240. If the signal is not an activation, routine 200 returns to step206.

The relaxed activation settings subroutine 250 is illustrated in FIG.11, according to one embodiment. Subroutine 250 begins at step 252 andproceeds to decision step 254 to determine if a wrong touch condition W1exists. The wrong touch W1 condition may be a maximum signal that isbelow a threshold such as a signal resulting from a finger having poorconductive properties due to lotion on the finger or a glove coveringthe finger. If the wrong touch W1 condition is detected, subroutine 250proceeds to step 256 to lower the activation threshold by an amountneeded to activate the switch, before ending at step 270. If wrong touchW1 condition is not detected, subroutine 250 proceeds to decision step258 to determine if wrong touch W2 condition is detected. Wrong touch W2condition may be the condition where a signal ratio such as a maximumsignal versus the other signal channels is too low, which may occur whentwo or more switches are attempted to be activated simultaneously. If awrong touch W2 condition is detected, subroutine 250 proceeds to step260 to lower the signal ratio threshold by an amount needed to activatethe switch and thereafter ends at step 270. If wrong touch W2 conditionis not detected, subroutine 250 proceeds to decision step 262 todetermine if a wrong touch W3 condition is detected. The wrong touch W3condition may occur when the rate of the signal increases too slow,which may occur when a finger slowly approaches the proximity sensorassembly, particularly when a glove is worn on the user's finger. If awrong touch W3 condition is detected, subroutine 250 proceeds to step264 to lower the signal rate threshold by an amount needed to activatethe proximity switch, before ending at step 270. If wrong touch W3condition is not detected, subroutine 250 proceeds to decision step 266to determine if a wrong touch W4 condition is detected. The wrong touchW4 condition may occur when the signal is unstable, which may occur whena person's finger is shaking or there is excess noise in the signal. Ifa wrong touch W4 condition is detected, subroutine 250 proceeds to step268 to increase the stable range by an amount needed to activate theswitch before ending at step 270. Accordingly, subroutine 250 determinesone or more wrong touch conditions such as conditions W1, W2, W3 and W4and adjusts one or more settings based on the attempted activation so asto provide adaptive learning to allow activation of the proximity switchfollowing repeated attempts by a user.

Accordingly, the proximity switch arrangement 20 advantageously providesfor enhanced user interaction and user perceived feedback to a user toindicate whether the proximity switches have been properly activated toperform an action that is available. The switch assembly 20 allows usersto be trained on use of the switch arrangement with feedback.Additionally, the switch arrangement may be less distractive byproviding the user with perceived feedback, which is particularlyadvantageous in automotive applications. The switch assembly 20 furtherprovides adaptive learning by adjusting one or more settings when arepeated multiple wrong touch condition is detected to allow activationof a proximity switch and thus, adapts to the user's interfacesignature.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of activating a proximity switchassembly comprising: detecting repeated attempts to activate a proximityswitch that does not result in activation; adjusting one or moresettings based on the detected repeated attempts to provide adaptivelearning; detecting an allowed activation of the proximity switch basedon the adjusted one or more settings; and performing an action inresponse to the detected allowed activation.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the step of adjusting one or more settings comprises adjustingan activation threshold.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofadjusting one or more settings comprises adjusting a stable range valuethat is compared to a signal associated with the proximity switch todetermine activation of the proximity switch.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the step of adjusting one or more settings comprises adjusting asignal ratio of a signal associated with the proximity switch comparedto another signal associated with one or more other proximity switches.5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of generating afirst user perceived feedback indicative of detection of repeatedattempts to activate a proximity switch that does not result inactivation.
 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step ofgenerating a different second user perceived feedback indicative ofcompletion of the action.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprisingthe step of generating a different third user perceived feedbackindicative of detection of an allowed activation of a switch.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the proximity switch assembly is installed ina vehicle for use by a passenger in the vehicle.
 9. The method of claim1, wherein the proximity switch comprises a capacitive switch comprisingone or more capacitive sensors.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein thestep of detecting repeated attempts to activate a proximity switch thatdoes not result in activation comprises detecting insufficient signalresponse during user interface with the proximity switch.
 11. Aproximity switch assembly comprising: one or more proximity switches;and control circuitry processing an activation field associated witheach proximity switch to detect an allowed activation of a proximityswitch, said control circuitry further detecting repeated attempts toactivate a proximity switch that does not result in activation andadjusting one or more settings based on the attempted activations toprovide adaptive learning.
 12. The switch assembly of claim 11, whereinthe one or more settings comprise an activation threshold.
 13. Theswitch assembly of claim 11, wherein the one or more settings comprise astable range value that is compared to a signal associated with theproximity switch to determine activation of the proximity switch. 14.The switch assembly of claim 11, wherein the one or more settingscomprise a signature ratio of a signal associated with the proximityswitch compared to another signal associated with one or more otherproximity switches.
 15. The switch assembly of claim 11 furthercomprising a feedback device for generating a first user perceivedfeedback when repeated attempts to activate a proximity switch that doesnot result in activation is detected.
 16. The switch assembly of claim15, wherein the feedback device generates a second different userperceived feedback indicative of completion of the action.
 17. Theswitch assembly of claim 16, wherein the feedback device generates adifferent third user perceived feedback indicative of detection of anallowed activation of a switch.
 18. The switch assembly of claim 11,wherein the plurality of proximity switches are installed in vehicle foruse by a passenger in the vehicle.
 19. The switch assembly of claim 11,wherein each of the proximity switches comprises a capacitive switchcomprising a capacitive sensor.